Modern Pottery

Thoroughly Modern, Perfectly Patterned Pottery

Does the word pottery conjure up images in your head of sandy-toned, roughly glazed pots lined up on a folding table at a crafts fair? Modern day pottery is largely exempt from such humdrum clay manifestations. Thanks to companies like Heath Ceramics, which has been creating clean, beautiful pottery designs for over half a century, and modern-day potters like Jonathan Adler, pottery's significance in the 21st century cannot be questioned.

Speaking of Adler, his Relief Drip Ceramic Pendant Lamp ($300, top row, left) is a wonderful way to introduce the beauty of pottery in an unexpected place in your home — the ceiling. Unglazed translucent porcelain that emits a warm (and surprisingly bright) glow. Inspired by seeds, barnacles, pebbles, and other natural wonders, each prototype pot is thrown by Jonathan Adler. The Relief Drip Ceramic Pendant emits a soft, warm glow.

I also can't forget the lovely Spun Vase ($175, bottom row, middle left) from Heath Ceramics. Made in a limited quantity of 150, the stripes on the single stem vase are created with an etching tool, which strips away the top layer of glaze. Hurry — this vase is only available until the first of October!

For more information on the plates, stools, cups, and other pottery objects showcased above, just click on each image.